Discectomy

Discectomy: Definition

Discectomy describes a class of operations used to remove part of an intervertebral disc or the entire intervertebral disc. Partial discectomies are often done to relieve radiculopathy, which is caused by a weakened and herniated disc. Total discectomies, which remove the entire intervertebral disc, are usually done in concert with another procedure, such as artificial disc replacement or fusion, and they are usually the result of degenerative disc disease, which causes lower back pain for lumbar cases and neck, shoulder and head pain in cervical cases. In either case the intervertebral disc is considerably compromised.

Microdiscectomy

Microdiscectomy is a term used to describe a partial discectomy where the surgeon uses magnifying optics during the procedure. Microdiscectomies are always performed posteriorly (from the back). Often a flavectomy and laminotomy are performed during this procedure to allow the surgeon access to affected area.

Total Discectomy

Fusions and artificial disc replacement require a total discectomy to make room for the inserted bone in the fusion and the prosthetic in the artificial disc replacement. Total discectomies are done anteriorly (from the front).

Footnotes

*Patient video and written testimonials are the opinions of the patient. Many of these testimonials are from doctors and other medical professionals.

**Prof. Dr. Bertagnoli seeks the optimum treatment for each patient. All patients are unique; therefore their conditions, treatments and recovery will vary. Not all patients are artificial disc replacement patients and, in complex cases, artificial disc replacement may require enhancements.

***All surgery on patients coming from countries other than Germany is done by Prof. Dr. Bertagnoli.